I used to think that having a therapist was for those who were going through significant issues in their lives, someone to talk them through something catastrophic.
I remember seeing lots of therapists as an adolescent after my parents were divorced. I was young and talking through my feelings with these specialists, and they helped me immensely. Although I also remember thinking at the time, “Why do I have to see a therapist?”
As I got older, I faced many challenges that I probably should have had a therapist to speak to, but in my late teens and early 20s, I felt as if there was a negative stigma around “seeing a therapist.” I felt that people, especially my family and friends, would perceive me as having a mental health issue or some significant issue that I felt I couldn’t talk to them about.
My life has taken quite a bit of a tailspin in the past few years. Between moving to another state without my family, changing jobs, having twins in a pandemic, and the everyday stress of motherhood, I finally realized I needed someone to talk to who was unbiased. After having several appointments with my therapist, I asked myself, “What was I so scared of?”
I wish I had decided to see a therapist years ago.
Most recently, I’ve had another major life change. Navigating a divorce and all of the feelings involved with it has been challenging. Of course, I have my friends that I can undoubtedly lean on. They have gotten me through some tough times this year. However, my therapist has been my right-hand woman.
Even when my challenging times are over, I plan to keep my therapist and have weekly sessions. Having someone who is a listening ear and doesn’t judge you is extremely important to my mental health.
